September 22: Online Recovery Day

“Hello, my name is Dave, and I’m an addict.”  I regularly attend meetings where that is how I introduce myself.  On June 6, 2020, I celebrated 15 years clean.  Unfortunately, meetings like that are hard to find.  As of this writing, the entire nation has been shut down due to the Corona virus.  That makes today’s celebration that much more significant, as many groups are not yet meeting in person. 

Every year, at least 17 million Americans who need help with a substance abuse problem don’t get it. Why? Largely because of the shame and stigma associated with substance use disorders (SUDs) and the perception that treatment is inaccessible. On September 22nd, National Online Recovery Day reminds us that quality substance abuse treatment and recovery support is available entirely online – offering the highest level of privacy and accessibility, in order to reach the millions of people who really need it. 

What does this have to do with all you “normal” readers?  One of the things that I regularly tell my congregation is that we are all addicts.  We suffer from a sin addiction, that expresses itself in a variety of ways.  For some, it is drugs and alcohol, for others it is gossip, and for others it is the need to control.  Regardless of the details, you and I struggle daily with an inclination to sin.  Our new nature, in Christ, has replaced our old selves, but the struggle against “cancelled sin” remains.  Here is where I would like to offer a practical solution.

Most people are not aware of the origins of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).  A.A. had its beginnings in 1935 in Akron, Ohio, as the outcome of a meeting between Bill W., a New York stockbroker, and Dr. Bob S., an Akron surgeon. Leaning on the teachings of The Oxford Group, a Christ-centered approach to addiction recovery, Bill and Bob incorporated those teachings into the 12 steps.

We should all take to heart the admonition of 2 Corinthians 13:5:  “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? —unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”  No resource that I know of is better for examining yourself than the 12 Steps. If you have never looked at them, do so today.   Without question, AA and NA have, over the years,  bowed to the pressures of pluralism and the rejection of absolute truth.  That notwithstanding, the steps are an invaluable way to aid in the process of sanctification.  As you read through them, prayerfully consider how they might help you.  An outstanding resource, The 12 Steps, A Spiritual Journey is a biblically based, Christ-centered approach to the steps.  

We could argue for hours about the place of recovery groups for believers, the wisdom of regularly identifying as an addict, and the role of the Holy Spirit in our becoming more Christlike.  But the fact remains that you struggle with sin.  With the exception of God’s Word, the 12 steps may be the greatest resource available to you in that battle.  On this National Online Recovery Day, consider utilizing the gift of The 12 Steps.  We all need to recover from our sin addiction.